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Last update - 00:00 29/11/2007
Israel and EU launch talks in Brussels on 'open skies' deal
By Zohar Blumenkrantz, Haaretz Correspondent
Tags: European Union, open skies 

Israel and the European Union launched negotiations in Brussels on Thursday aimed at an air traffic agreement that would allow other airlines to compete for routes connecting Israel and the continent.

Both sides seek to formulate language agreeable to Israel and the EU member states in a deal that would replace the existing agreements which Israel signed with each individual state.

The new agreement is meant to remove existing limitations placed on foreign airlines who seek to operate flights between Israel and Europe. The policy, known as "open skies," is meant to spur more competition among the airlines, which would likely drive down the price of airline tickets.
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In the run-up to the talks, the Transportation Ministry has prepared a task force to be headed by Mali Siton, who chairs the ministry's legal department, and the Civilian Aviation Authority chief, Udi Zohar.

The Israeli delegation in the talks will be headed by Transportation Ministry director general Gideon Sitterman. In addition, the ministry has hired Dr. Sharon Sadeh, who laid the groundwork for the project and who will serve as the point man in future dealings with the European Commission.

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      1.   finally 15:25  |  Jacob 29/11/07
      2.   How about EU membership? 16:11  |  Fortuna Benmayor 29/11/07
      3.   Chaired by Mr Siton - headed by Mr Sitterman :-) 16:30  |  redmike 29/11/07
      4.   Open skies would benefit Lebanon.. 18:17  |  Outsider 29/11/07
      5.   EU Membership # 2 19:57  |  Milo 29/11/07
      6.   #3, @Fortuna Benmayor, about EU membership. 20:05  |  Peter 29/11/07
      7.   Open skies 22:12  |  Roxy 29/11/07
      8.   # 2 only someone who 22:22  |  Kris 29/11/07
      9.   2# 22:26  |  The instructore 29/11/07
      10.   LOL @ #2... An Apartheid State has no place in the EU 22:27  |  ( o ) ( o ) 29/11/07
      11.   jewish acceptance of prophets jesus and muhamad 22:51  |  montgomery rosen 29/11/07
      12.   Unbelievable 23:31  |  John 29/11/07
      13.   Sanctions against Israel for Ethnic Cleansing + Occupation 23:51  |  ( o ) ( o ) 29/11/07
      14.   Open Skies 22:01  |  Richard 30/11/07
      15.   basket 19:30  |  viviana 06/04/09
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